Tag: Philadelphia home care assistance

The basics about Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells (neurons) resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.

Dementia is a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.

Although it is true that increasing age is associated with increased rates of the disease development, Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. Individuals in their 40s and 50s can also develop dementia.

Alzheimer’s worsens over time.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease kills more than breast and prostate cancer combined. At the time of death, one of three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Those with Alzheimer’s live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Since there is no known cure or treatment for this disease, it is important to use the right approach to care. The right approach can slow the worsening of symptoms and improve the quality of life of those living with dementia.

Angie and NursePartners have been a godsend to my brothers and I in providing in-home care for our mother. Our mother, who is 83, lives alone and enjoys doing so, however she has severe limitations due to her sight and mobility restrictions. My brothers and I live in distant cities and we have no surviving relatives in the Philly area. NursePartners has not only provided consistent, reliable service to my mother but have gone out of their way to assist her in whatever way required. If you find yourself having a similar need, I would highly recommend NursePartners.